The Dictionary of Lost Words

In the Prologue, why does Harry try to burn the slip with his late wife’s name on it? Why is it so important to Esme to save it?

Consider the narrative function of Esme’s sometime antagonists, Mr. Crane and Mr. Dankworth. How are they similar? How are they different? What do they teach her?

Why does Esme call her dictionary “women’s words”? In her society, do certain words belong only to one gender? Why or why not?

Examine Esme’s relationship with Lizzie. What are its underlying power dynamics? Do they ever shift? Why or why not?

Several characters from the novel are based on historical figures. Choose one or two and explore the real counterpart’s life. What details does the novel change and why?

Choose at least three passages in which Esme learns or explores the meaning of a new word, at different stages of her life. Close-read each to consider the way Williams uses language herself. What literary techniques does the novel’s prose rely on and how do they serve the plot?

Discuss the motif of violence suffered by women’s bodies. How does it reflect the novel’s themes?

Research the history of Esperanto. Why does this artificial language become such an important part of Esme’s story?